Tiger Cubs – an ideal way to entertain and educate your child

The Shotokan Tiger Cub class is a special class that allows younger children to experience the art of karate in a safer and less disciplined environment than the senior classes.

The accent is on fun, teaching fundamental movement skills and starting the process of helping your child to focus.

The ‘Tiger Cub’ name evolved as a direct result of the influence of the late world-renowned karate master, Sensei K Enoeda, 9th Dan KUGB JKA (Japanese Karate Association), who was nicknamed ‘The Shotokan Tiger’ for his strength, speed, power and fearlessness.

What can I expect my child to learn in this programme?

“Tiger Cubs Karate” is a programme of pre-Karate classes designed specifically for 4 to 6 year olds. We help children develop self-control, balance, co-ordination, flexibility, strength, memory and team work skills (ability to interact with other children in a group setting).

The classes are a mix of traditional Karate techniques, games and activities designed to introduce and reinforce these skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Parents are welcome to stay and watch the classes, which are conducted in adherence with strict teacher to child ratios.

Once the child is confident enough, they can move into our all-grade classes and will have the opportunity to take part in gradings if they would like. This is not mandatory, however, and the children are only invited to grade if their instructor is sure they are ready – there is little benefit in rushing to this stage!

Class Structure

We start with a chat before formally lining up for class. Warmups for this age group are movement-based, like games of tig, before we move into light stretching, laying down patterns we hope will endure for life for our young people.

Tiger cubs go onto Karate Kids at 6, when they can start to do more complicated exercises safely

Self-Control & Discipline

The teachers facilitate the development of self-control in children by using positive guidance techniques such as modelling and encouraging expected behaviour, redirecting children to a more acceptable activity and setting clear limits. Frequent water breaks are taken, respecting the likely concentration span limits for young ones!